Nonhuman Narratives - Weds 27 April 2011 - UK

The Narrative Research Group, based in the Media School at Bournemouth University, will be hosting their second symposium at the Executive Business Centre on Wednesday 27 April 2011. The theme of the symposium is 'Nonhuman Narratives'.

Nonhumans feature in multiple narratives, from myth and fable to wildlife photography and documentary, children's literature, cartoons and comics. They can act as metaphors, take on human characteristics, or inform our understanding of the Other. The symposium will use analyses of representations of the nonhuman to question assumptions about human superiority and to explore alternative means of narrating the lived experiences of creatures or entities whose composition differs from our own.

The symposium's keynote speaker, Professor David Herman of Ohio State University, will be talking about 'Stories, Minds, and Media: Nonhuman Experiences in Graphic Narratives', focusing on Grant Morrison/Frank Quitely's We3. Other papers will focus on inhuman narratives (including representations of monsters and serial killers), animals in the movies, issues surrounding environmental and technological change, and the activities of fans of the nonhuman. Members of the Narrative Research Group will be exhibiting their work and running workshops throughout the day.

All speakers have now been confirmed, but we hope the above is of interest to potential delegates. A provisional timetable and booking form are available via the Bournemouth University website (link below). We hope you can join us!